Top Ten Small Forwards in NBA History

With the Miami Heat about to head into their fourth straight finals appearance in the last four years, setting an accomplishment that has not been replicated since the 1984-1987 Boston Celtics Team, we can say with assuredness that their leader on the court, none other than the four-time MVP and Olympic Gold Medal winner Lebron James, is probably feeling quite satisfied with himself (especially after defeating this crazy man who blew air on his face in the middle of the court).

Lebron’s accomplishments up to this time are nothing short of absolutely impressive – on top of his four MVPs, he also has two Olympic Gold medals, two NBA Finals MVPs, and most importantly, two championships, with a huge possibility for getting to three championships in just one month.

But is he truly the very best small forward in all of NBA history?

With so many incredibly accomplished all-stars, champions, and freak athletes to consider over the NBA’s rich history of nearly 68 years, we take a look at the top ten small forwards in NBA history.

10. Paul Pierce

Paul Pierce wasn’t called “The Truth” for no reason – indeed, Shaquille O’Neal dubbed him this famous nickname early in Pierce’s career for a reason: Paul Pierce was one of the best two-way small forwards to ever play the game.

Averaging 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game for his career, Paul Pierce led his team to the 2008 NBA championship when he famously created a “big three” with Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett. Since then, he has been considered to be one the most famous rivals of Lebron James, having met him in the playoffs in 2008, 2010, 2011, and 2012.

Pierce is also the Celtics’ all time leading scorer, distinguishing himself as not just one of the greatest small forwards of all time, but also as one of the most prolific and productive members of the NBA’s most winningest franchise.

9. Kevin Durant

The humble, likeable, and respected 2014 MVP Kevin Durant, who brought the nation to tears early last month with his MVP speech (in which he declared his mother “The Real MVP”) is only 25 and in the conversation for top ten small forwards of all time already. If his MVP trophy weren’t enough to convince you, he already boasts, in only his seventh season, four scoring titles, as well as prestigious entry into the “50-40-90” club, a select group of athletes that have shot 50% field goal percentage, 40% 3-point field goal percentage, and 90% from the free throw line. Not even the greatest scorer of all time, Michael Jordan, has been in this club.

Kevin Durant also led his team to the 2011 Western Conference Finals, the 2014 Western Conference Finals, the 2013 semifinals, and the 2012 NBA finals, where his team fell to Lebron James, Dwyane Wade, and Pat Riley’s Miami Heat.

8. Rick Barry

A true, distinguished leader who brought his Golden State Warriors to the 1975 NBA Championship, Rick Barry is one of the few players who have accomplished a true NBA feat: 60+ points in one game. Most recently accomplished by Carmelo Anthony and Lebron James, this is a scoring phenomenon that is scene rarely more than once a season, if that.

With 5 NBA All-first team selections, Rick barry was an elite NBA athlete in the 1970s, as well as an ABA champion in the 1960s. Rookie of the Year in 1966, Barry was possibly the premiere small forward of that decade.

7. Dominique Wilkins

Internationally acclaimed as “The Human Highlight Film,” Dominique Wilkins lit up the scoreboards, and was once considered the most direct rival to His Airness, Michael Jordan. ‘Nique was an outstanding force on the basketball court; his scoring skills were second only to Michael Jordan, as Dominique was not able to take the home the scoring title in any year while MJ was active except in 1986, when Michael Jordan was injured for the year.

Still, despite living in the shadow of Michael Jordan, the 9x all-star was among the most insanely gifted athletes of the 1980s and 1990s, taking his Atlanta Hawks team consistently to stellar playoff production.

6. James Worthy

Michael Jordan is often credited for bringing North Carolina State to the NCAA championship with his famous game-winning shot his freshman year of college, but it was really his teammate, distinguished NBA legend James Worthy, that carried the load for the championship team. Worthy scored 28 of the team’s entire 63 points and was widely considered the undisputed leader.

In the NBA, Worthy was the third-option for an incredibly talented, historical, and iconic Los Angeles Lakers team that not only boasted one of the greatest small forwards in NBA history in James Worthy, but also two of the greatest players ever in Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. With that crew of elite talent, Worthy brought his team to the NBA championship in 1985, 1987, and 1988, and was even named the Finals MVP over Magic and Kareem in the 1988 NBA Championships.

Sean is actually right. We use the term “point guard” to separate players into positions based on their respective roles within the team. LeBron is always, or most often, the “point guard”. He initiates the offense, the ball must run through him, etc. This is regardless of size and who you defend. LeBron can most definitely be considered a point guard.

Daniel3 years ago

He is a point forward. Not a point guard. Meaning he is a Forward that can play the point in certain sets not a Point guard that can play forward. .

With your commentary on John Havlicek, you hint that Bill Russell averaged 25 PPG at one point. He never approached anything close to that. Russell’s highest PPG figure for a season was 18.9 —-followed by 18.2 PPG——and then no other seasons with as much as 17 PPG.

You wrote that Havlicek averaged an unprecedented 25 PPG and 10 RPG during the 1970-71 season. Elgin Baylor, however, did that 8 times before the 1970-71 season even happened. I can only assume you don’t consider Elgin a small forward for some unknown reason. And that brings me back to the original question: what qualifies LeBron James as a small forward?

I like the list a bit, but I have to disagree with Lebron over Larry. Here is why. They are almost identical stat wise. The thing is, Lebron plays today, and today is not the same as Bird’s area. Players are more athletic today, but they don’t beat each other up like they did in the NBA’s heyday that Larry Legend played in. Every team back then was filled with Superstars. Would Lebron put the numbers up he does if he is getting elbowed by Kareem? Having Bill Laimbeer steeping on his ankles trying to injure him. Not getting Superstar Calls? Maybe, maybe not. Most NBA people in the know will tell you that Larry’s game is tailor made for today’s game. He is automatic at the line, and would benefit from the soft game they play today. He was dropping 27+ in his prime against rougher players. The guy went 50/40/90 twice.

Lebron is an athletic marvel, but he lacks the one thing that makes a great player transcend, and that’s mental toughness. Larry had it in spades. In fact, Larry is on par with Jordan in that category. He was a killer with the game on the line. I’m sorry, but for all is many, many, many (many) athletic gifts, he folds in pressure situations. Larry focuses.

This of course is my opinion. I started watching basketball in 1987, and am still a fan today, so I am not biased in the list though, so it isn’t baseless.

It’s very tough to compare different eras. Your argument is that lebron couldn’t handle the physicality of the 80/90s? He may be the most physically gifted small forward we’ve ever seen. I agree that bird would have thrived in today’s game with the way it’s called but who knows. I never liked comparing different generations because the game was different. Consider rather, what they’ve accomplished in their own time. Having said that, Larry is ahead of lebron on my list. For now that is 😉

Lebron may end his career in a fashion where he can be considered the best ever. both regular season and playoffs..
he’s 31 years
4th in playoff total points larry bird 9th
11th in playoff rebounds larry bird 10th lebron is 5 rebounds away to pass him
3rd in playoff assists larry bird 6th
5th in playoff steals larry bird 8th
24th in playoff blocks larry bird 37th

Lebron has always made the teams he plays for be among the top teams in NBA. every team he has left never made playoffs the following year. Every team he went to made it to the finals.
2010-2020 this is lebrons decade
2000-2010 was Kobe Shaq
1990-2000 was Jordan

I think that magic Johnson was more valuable to his team than Michel Jordon majic could play three position when he first came into his rookie year he played center forward giard all in one night and played against the great Julias Erving you can’t beat that

No mention of Elgin Baylor. Higher scoring average (27.4), rebounding average (13.5), better passer, and better inside scorer than any listed above. One year he averaged 35 points and 20 rebounds–at 6’5″. Havlicek, whom you mention, played against Baylor; ask HIM if he thinks he should be on this list.